Jarryd Hayne in Fiji’s sights for massive rugby league return

Rumours are picking up speed over the return of Jarryd Hayne to the rugby league arena after spending a year in prison.

Jarryd Hayne. Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images.

Jarryd Hayne has been approached for a surprise return to rugby league later this year.

Fiji coach Wise Kativerata says he is working on having the former Eels and Titans star join him the squad for the end-of-season Pacific Championships. The coach said he extended an invitation to the 36-year-old to throw on his old Fiji jersey, a side he has not represented in six years.

“The door is open for him if he wants to join,” Kativerata said via the Daily Telegraph. “He’s fit, but we’re just waiting on his decision if he’s interested, which will be a boost for the team.”

The two-time Dally M Medal winner, was released from prison in June after winning an appeal against a rape conviction.

His potential return would see him compete in the Pacific Bowl tournament, where Fiji will face Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands, with matches set in Fiji, Port Moresby, and a final at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium on November 10.

Hayne’s fitness is unquestioned, according to leading Sydney sprint coach Roger Fabri, who has been working with the former Parramatta Eels star.

“Jarryd is an elite athlete,” Fabri said. “He is one guy you can never, ever disregard when he puts his mind to something. When Jarryd applies himself, he will never stray. He did the unthinkable by making an NFL roster.”

Rumours are picking up speed over the return of Jarryd Hayne to the rugby league arena, as the 36-year-old emerges from a harrowing sexual assault scandal.

Although not currently contracted to the NRL, Hayne would still require approval from the ARL Commission to play, pending his selection for Fiji.

Kativerata has also revealed his approach to Mark Nawaqanitawase, a former Wallaby and Sydney Roosters player, who recently made his NRL debut with a sensational try against South Sydney in his first six minutes on the field.

Nawaqanitawase has already represented the Wallabies at the Rugby World Cup and played rugby 7’s for Australia at the Olympics, setting him on course to become a dual-code international representative.

“So far, we’ve been talking to other NRL players who are interested in representing the country,” Kativerata told the Fiji Sun.

“We’ve had talks with Mark Nawaqanitawase, Tui Kamikamica, and Api Koroisau, to name a few.”

Fiji is building towards the 2026 World Cup in Australia and PNG, with Canterbury’s Viliame Kikau a certain starter.

The squad announcement is expected next week, as discussions with NRL clubs continue regarding player releases.

“As long as we get Fijian boys making their debut and stepping up, we are doing our job,” Kativerata said.

Although not currently contracted to the NRL, Hayne would still require approval from the ARL Commission to play, pending his selection for Fiji.

Hayne broke his silence about the sexual assault saga in June.

Hayne broke his silence about the sexual assault saga in June, thanking supporters and loved ones after charges were formally dropped.

“Yeah obviously excited,” Mr Hayne said outside court, looking relieved as he walked out of the complex alongside his barrister Margaret Cunneen SC and solicitor Lauren MacDougall.

“I stayed true to myself the whole time, the whole process. Today is a vindication for myself and my family and my loved ones.

“I want to say thank you to all those that supported me from day one, stood by me and stood next to me.

“It’s been a rollercoaster. The boys on the inside that stood by me, mates on the outside and everyone that stood shoulder to shoulder with me, I appreciate that.

“Thinking about everyone that prayed for me, I thank God for keeping me safe, not only myself but my wife as well, what she had to go through.

“It’s been tough. I’m just thankful today for all the support.”

Asked if he would return to football, Mr Hayne said with a laugh: “I look like a front-rower.”

Originally published as Jarryd Hayne in Fiji’s sights for massive rugby league return